The McLaren MP4-12C. Image: McLaren Automobiles
We’ve got good news for those of you with McLaren’s latest supercar on order. First, the software bug that caused some production MP4-12C models to repeatedly drain their batteries has been identified and corrected. Next, McLaren has confirmed that U.S. deliveries will begin in January, which may be a few months behind schedule but is better than the indefinite hold that McLaren placed on production to solve its software issues. Besides, January is now just over six weeks away.
Motor Authority tells us that the MP4-12C will escape getting saddled with a “Gas Guzzler” tax, thanks to its EPA fuel economy rating of 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. McLaren’s home-built, twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-8 is among the most efficient internal combustion engines on the planet, including the engines used in hybrids. Since 80 percent of peak torque is available at less than 2,000 rpm, there’s no need to mat the accelerator to bring the car up to speed.
If you want one of the $229,000 supercars, you’d best reach out to your McLaren dealer in the very near future. Only 500 copies are planned for the United States, and we’d guess that most of them are already spoken for.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
